Lesson #19. “I shall see an opposite world”

The spiritual meaning of the Bible through the authentic wisdom of Kabbalah

SLIDE #2

The Language of the Bible

"The language of the Bible is the primary, rudimentary language, perfectly suited for its task, as for the most part, it contains a relation of root and branch and is the easiest language to understand. This language is also the oldest; it is the Holy Tongue, attributed to Adam ha Rishon.

This language has two advantages and one disadvantage. Its first advantage is that it is easy to understand, and even beginners in attainments immediately understand all that they need. The second advantage is that it clarifies matters extensively and deeply than all other languages.

SLIDE #3

Its disadvantage is that it cannot be used for discussing particular issues or connections of cause and consequence because every matter must be clarified in its fullest measure, as it is not self-evident to which element it is referring, unless by presenting the matter in its entirety. Hence, to emphasize the smallest detail, a complete story must be presented. This is why it is unsuitable for small details or for connections of cause and consequence.

Also, the language of prayers and blessings is taken from the language of the Bible."

- Baal HaSulam “The Teaching of the Kabbalah and Its Essence”

SLIDE # 4

"…the internality of the wisdom of Kabbalah is no different from the internality of the Bible, the Talmud, and the legends. The only difference between them is in their explanations.

This is similar to a wisdom that has been translated into four languages. Naturally, the essence of the wisdom has not changed at all by the change of language. All we need to think of is which translation is the most convenient for conveying the wisdom to the reader."

- Baal HaSulam “The Teaching of the Kabbalah and Its Essence”

SLIDE # 5

"There is a strict condition during the engagement in this wisdom not to materialize the matters with imaginary and corporeal issues. This is because thus they breach, “You shall not make unto you a statue or any image.”

In that event, one is rather harmed instead of receiving benefit."

- Baal HaSulam, "Introduction to The Study of the Ten Sefirot", Letter 156

SLIDE # 6

"It is difficult for beginners, for they perceive matters by means of corporeal boundaries of time, space, change and exchange. However, the authors only used those as signs to point to their upper roots."

- Baal HaSulam, The Study of the Ten Sefirot, Part 1, chapter 1, Inner Light, p.1

SLIDE # 7

"Woe unto one who says that the Torah comes to tell literal tales and the uneducated words of such as Esau and Laban. If this is so, even today we can turn the words of an uneducated person into a law, and even nicer than theirs. And if the Torah indicates to mundane matters, even the rulers of the world have among them better things, so let us follow them and turn them into a law in the same way. However, all the words of the Torah have the uppermost meaning."

- Zohar for All, BeHaalotcha [When You Mount the Candles]Passover in Its Time and Second Passover, p.58

SLIDE # 8

"…the souls cannot receive the good reward for which He created the world and the souls if they do not have a Kli [vessel] ready to receive. And the only way one can obtain that Kli is through labor and toil to observe the Mitzvot [commandments] through the pressure and the wars that one fights with the evil inclination, and the numerous preventions and troubles. The affliction and labor in Torah and Mitzvot provide a Kli for the soul so it may be fit to receive all the delight and pleasure for which He created all creations."

- Baal HaSulam “Inheritance of the Land”

SLIDE # 9

"Pharaoh is the evil inclination that is within man’s body."

- RABASH, Article No. 17, 1990

SLIDE # 10

“Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt.” Here it implies to us that when a person is in a state of ascent, he should learn what he had at the time of descent, since during the descent, there is no one to speak with, since then a person is devoid of consciousness in the spiritual life and is concerned only with filling his body with pleasures, and it does not matter to him from which place the pleasures come to him, but only “Give!”

However, during the ascent, a person can learn and gain from the state of descent. This is the meaning of “Remember.”

- RABASH, 607. Remember that You Were a Slave”

SLIDE # 11

"Passover is named after the Creator’s passing over the houses of Israel and leaving each and every one from Israel alive. It is known that there is no absence in spirituality, for the smallest discernment in Israel remained alive, and nothing was lost. Because the Creator saved Israel, this good day is called Passover, after the Creator’s deeds."

- RABASH, article 13, 1987

SLIDE # 12

Since the day when Israel were in the world, they were not in one heart and one desire before the Creator as on that day when they stood at Mt. Sinai.

- Zohar for All, Kedoshim, “It Is Forbidden to Look Where the Creator Loathes”

SLIDE # 13
"...In general examination, we find that there are only two Mitzvot to follow in society. These can be called "reception" and "bestowal." This means that each member must, by nature, receive his needs from society and must benefit society through his work for its well-being. And if one breaks one of these two Mitzvot, he will be mercilessly punished."

- Baal HaSulam “The Peace”